The Rising Cost of Owning a Car in the Netherlands

In recent years, the cost of owning a car in the Netherlands has risen significantly, driven by higher fuel prices, increased taxes, and rising insurance premiums. For many Dutch residents, car ownership is becoming financially burdensome, pushing people to explore alternatives such as carpooling to reduce expenses.

Rising Fuel Costs
One of the most noticeable increases in the cost of car ownership in the Netherlands is fuel prices. Like many European countries, the Netherlands has experienced steady rises due to global oil price fluctuations and environmental taxes. In 2023, the average petrol price reached around €2.00 per liter (CBS, 2023). Diesel followed the same trend, further straining budgets. The Dutch government, committed to reducing carbon emissions, has increased fuel taxes accordingly (European Environment Agency, 2023). A planned fuel tax increase of 20 cents/liter for 2025 has been postponed to 2026, but costs remain high.

Increased Taxation
Taxes are another major driver in the rising cost of owning a car in the Netherlands. Ownership taxes (wegenbelasting) and purchase taxes (BPM) are tied to environmental impact, with higher rates for CO₂-emitting vehicles. The BPM tax can add thousands of euros to the purchase price of a new car (Dutch Tax Administration, 2023). Road taxes are also calculated by weight and fuel type, increasing financial pressure on owners of larger cars.

Rising Insurance Premiums
Insurance adds another layer of expense. Premiums have risen due to higher claims and repair costs. In 2023, the average annual premium increased by 5%, with some groups facing even sharper hikes depending on driving history and location (Dutch Association of Insurers, 2023). With advanced vehicle technology making repairs costlier, insurance premiums are expected to continue climbing.

Carpooling as a Cost-Saving Alternative
As the cost of owning a car in the Netherlands increases, carpooling is emerging as a practical solution. By sharing rides, individuals split costs for fuel, tolls, and parking, easing the burden of car ownership. Innovative platforms like ColiRide make ride-sharing easy and convenient, helping commuters save money while also supporting sustainability.

Carpooling supports the Dutch government’s environmental goals by reducing traffic congestion and CO₂ emissions. Employers and municipalities are also encouraging ride-sharing through incentives such as carpool lanes and discounted parking (Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, 2023). These initiatives help residents cut expenses and contribute to a greener, more efficient transport system.

Conclusion
With fuel prices, taxes, and insurance premiums continuing to rise, the cost of owning a car in the Netherlands is pushing residents to seek alternatives. Carpooling stands out as an attractive option—lowering expenses while supporting environmental sustainability. As government policies increasingly promote reduced car dependency, initiatives like carpooling and services such as ColiRide will play a central role in shaping the future of Dutch mobility.